Kitchen cabinets are usually more susceptible to stains and other problems like mildew and rust due to moisture. Thus, they soon began to lose their shine and beauty. To avoid this, people paint the kitchen cabinets when it starts to look damaged. However, in this process, the important component that can restore the life in these cabinets is not merely to paint but also a primer.
Primers are applied as a base coat before painting. This base provides better adhesion for paints, that is, the capability of the paint to stick to the surface. Applying a coat or two of a primer can make the difference between night and day. Primer protects the kitchen cabinets by locking out moisture. Also, they hide stains, and once you apply the paint topcoat, the final finish looks mesmerizing. Hence, it is important to get a primer.
Finding a worthy primer can be difficult, especially when there are just too many options to choose from. If you are also facing the same problem, then this article might just be the answer. In this article, we have compiled the best bonding primer for kitchen cabinets and additional information that might help you find a good primer.
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Table of Contents
11 Best Bonding Primer for Kitchen Cabinets Reviews
1. KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Latex Primer/Sealer, White, 1-Gallon – Best Choice
If you are searching for the best primer for painting kitchen cabinets, then this product will fulfill your needs.
KILZ Premium is a powerful water-based formula that has high resistance power against the strongest stains, and it will provide a smooth base for applying the fresh paint with ease.
Moreover, it has excellent adhesive power, which will keep the bond between paint and base coat strong for a longer time.
This product gives an excellent smooth and level finish for the users who want an appealing look for their kitchen cabinets’ surfaces.
Technical features and performance
This product comes with strong power station resistance, which will allow the users to apply the primer on pre-existing paint stains to get a smooth and even finish after applying the paint.
The material of this product is latex, which means it will be dried up quickly, and lesser coats will be needed for applying the primer as well as the paint for users.
Moreover, it is water-based so that lesser coats will be required, and it will dry up very quickly. Plus, it is very good for large area coverage as lesser coats will be needed to cover more places. The adhesive power will hold the paint strong, which will give the durability for a longer time.
Is this product recommended?
Many buyers were satisfied with the powerful stain resistance of this paint. It also gave the users a smooth finish to apply the paint. This product covered a good amount of area for applying the primer.
Pros
- Excellent sealing capacity
- Dries quickly
- Good coverage area
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not good for heavy staining
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2. KILZ L211101 Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer/Sealer, White, 1-Gallon, 1 Gallon, 4 l – Best Durability
Kitchen cabinets use different materials; they can be of wood, metal, or other glossy surfaces. These surfaces can be difficult to paint on due to the less adhesion. This primer is specially designed to tackle this problem.
This primer has great adhesion, and thus, it easily sticks to the hard-to-paint surfaces. Resultantly, this is a budget-friendly solution to make the process of beautifying your kitchen cabinets effortlessly.
Technical features and performance
This is a water-based latex primer that acts as a sealer. When applied on a clean surface, it covers all the imperfections and gives a smooth and even ready-to-paint area. It uses the latest technology to increase the bonding between the paint and the surface.
Hence, it can be coated on surfaces like vinyl, metal, glass, tile, and much more. Due to its high durability, it can be used for both interiors and exteriors.
One must ensure that the area to be primed is properly prepped to get the best results. It depends on the individual which tool they want to use for priming: a high-grade brush, roller, or a spray painting gun.
One cost of this primer dries within half an hour of applying. After one hour, one can begin to apply the second coat. A gallon of the primer can cover 300 square feet, depending on the material you are priming. You can use any latex or oil-based paint over this primer.
Is this product recommended?
The buyers of this primer seem to love it. Whether speaking of durability, good adhesion, or right thickness, this product has everything. Also, with almost no odor, customers did not have a hard time while priming. Consequently, it is undoubtedly a highly recommended primer.
Pros
- The finish is durable.
- Great adhesion.
- A wide coverage.
- Dries up quickly.
Cons
- The packaging is not so good.
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3. KILZ Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor Blocking Interior Latex Primer/Sealer, White, 1-Gallon – Best Stain & Odor Sealer
Want to cover up those nasty stains on the wall? This primer will do the job for you. KILZ Restoration is a primer that is known for its efficiency in hiding even the toughest stains on the walls.
With this primer, you will have a spotless, smooth, and brand-new looking surface.
It can be used on many surfaces like drywall, tiles, wood, painted metals, and more. Once the priming is done, you apply a coat of any oil-based or water-based paint to restore the surface.
Technical features and performance
If you have little ones at your house showcasing their artistic skills on the walls or odor caused by pets or smoke, then a great way to cover all the artwork and mask the smell is using this primer.
The odor and stain blocking quality of the primer will bring new life to all the stained and smelly surfaces. With ultimate adhesion, this simplifies the process of painting on generally difficult to paint surfaces.
One can clean it using just soap and water. Thus, it is a water-based primer that also has the virtues of oil-based primers. The odor is almost negligible, and also, it is non-flammable.
It takes only half an hour for a coat of this primer to dry, and a second coat can be put after an hour. The coverage of one gallon of this primer is around 300 to 400 square feet.
Is this product recommended?
This primer is easy to use and dries up quickly. Hence, the time is taken to prime a surface reduces. Its special feature, odor and stain blocking, makes it stand out from the rest of the primers. This is an affordable product to restore the beauty of stained and smelly surfaces. Thus, it is a great choice.
Pros
- Extremely easy to apply.
- Great stain and odor sealer.
- No intense smell.
- Good dependability.
Cons
- Might require multiple coatings.
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4. Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, 1 Quart, 946 ml, White – Best Price
Versatility is the name of the game of this primer. Not only it has multiple purposes, but it can be used on numerous surfaces. No matter what kind of material you are priming concrete, drywall, metal, or any other, this primer can stick on any surface with its strong adhesive nature.
Besides that, one can use any type of paint as the topcoat, whether oil-based or water-based. Due to the wide variety of features it has, this primer is one of the best cabinet primers by Rust-Oleum.
Technical features and performance
It has all the features a reliable primer is expected to have. There are rust inhibitors in this premium to save the surface from corrosion. This primer is also capable of blocking stains and preventing tannin bleed.
Moreover, it can also save the surface from moisture. Thus, it prohibits the growth of mildew and mold. Due to its high reliability, it is used both outdoors and indoors.
This can be applied using a good quality brush or roller. For an easy spray application, an aerosol spray formula is provided. It is advisable to use a dark color paint over the primer. One-quarter of this primer can be used to coat an area of 100 square feet. Once completely dry, a leveled and shiny finish is seen.
Is this product recommended?
Based on the feedback of the buyers, it can be concluded this is a primer worth buying. With a great price tag, this offers outstanding durability and an unmatched finish. Therefore, it is a product that buyers suggest to others.
Pros
- The price is appropriate.
- Good durability.
- A professional-looking finish.
- Simple to apply.
Cons
- More than two coats can be required sometimes.
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5. INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer, 1 Gallon, White – Best Adhesion
If you are looking for a superior quality water-based primer that can be used anywhere around the house, then you have come to the right place. This primer is a white acrylic primer suitable for light color topcoats.
This product offers standard dependability with great adhesion so that it is applied on the surface of your choice, whether glossy tiles, metals, or brick. With moisture sealing features, you can use it to prime surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.
Technical features and performance
Although it is a water-based primer, it has a high adhesive nature. Consequently, it can turn the task of painting even the hardest to paint surfaces easier. The curing process is fast. In fact, it can cure in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the low amount of VOCs, there is hardly any smell compared to other primers.
One gallon of this primer can cover around 300 to 400 square feet depending on the type of surface you are priming and the number of coats. A coat of this primer dries in three to four hours, and then it is ready to be reprimed. Moreover, cleaning this primer is far from easier than oil-based primers.
Is this product recommended?
The strong adhesive nature of this primer is the most appreciated by the customers. This primer can be used on pretty much all kinds of surfaces. A properly clean and sanded surface, when primed using this product, yielded a great finish. Thus, you can invest in this product without worrying.
Pros
- Less odor.
- Wider coverage.
- Curing takes less time.
- Amazing adhesive quality.
Cons
- May peel or scrape off after some time of priming.
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6. KILZ Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor Blocking Interior Latex Primer/Sealer, White, 1-Gallon – Best Coverage
KILZ Restoration used the latest technology to create a primer that has the perks of both oil and water based primers. This is designed to resolve the problems like stains, odor, and moisture damage.
The one thing to remember before buying this primer is that you must prep the surface to obtain the optimum finish first. Check that the surface is free from loose particles, grease, and moisture before priming.
Technical features and performance
Just as its name suggests, this primer has the power to restore any surface back to being brand new. This is perfect for people who have kids or pets at their home.
If you want to get rid of the strong pet smell from different surfaces, this primer will be efficient. Moreover, it can block even the heaviest stains and moisture damage.
It is also suitable for metal surfaces as it has an anti-corrosive property. With minimum VOCs, its odor is frivolous. One gallon covers around 300 to 400 square inches of the area. After one hour of applying the first coat, the second coat can be applied.
Is this product recommended?
This primer is easy to use, can be applied on multiple surfaces, and is highly durable. All these features make it the favorite of some people. Therefore, it is one of the recommended primers.
Pros
- Offers good value for money.
- Has almost no scent.
- Can block rust, moisture, and stains.
Cons
- Not so great at blocking odors.
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7. KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Latex Primer/Sealer, White, 1-Gallon – Best Finish
The main objective of applying a primer is to make the paint molecules stick better to the surface. This primer is one of the most efficient primers which does this job perfectly. One can use it on interiors and exteriors as well.
This primer also acts as a sealer and stain blocker. It is latex, oil-based primer, but it is not less than any water-based primer present in the market. With a good and even consistency, this is the last but not the least primer on the list.
Technical feature and performance
One can apply this water-based latex primer on drywall, metal, concrete, and brick. The stain blocker can hide light to medium stains, while the sealer can prevent the moisture from damaging the surface by stopping rust and mildew. It covers the old paint color and makes the new paint color appear clearly.
It dries to touch in just thirty minutes and is ready to be recoated in an hour. The area one gallon of this primer can cover is three-hundred to four-hundred square feet. The finish it delivers is flat and makes light colors look vibrant.
Is this product recommended?
It might be at last on the list, but this oil-based primer is better than most primers. It has a brilliant sealing and stain-blocking virtue. This helps improve the color accuracy of the paint and hence, is a good primer to choose.
Pros
- Effectively hides light stains.
- Increases color accuracy
- Blocks moisture.
Cons
- Not enough value for the price.
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8. Rust-Oleum, Flat Gray Primer 1980502 Painters Touch Quart Latex, 32 Fl Oz – Best Primer For Laminate Cabinets
The Rust-Oleum Flat Gray Primer is the best primer for laminate cabinets. When you search for a deep color for your cabinet, then this product might be helpful. The primer has the ability to remove the imperfections present on the cabinet and provide a glossy finish.
Technical Features And Performance
You can make use of it for a wide range of indoor and outdoor surface projects. Some of them include plaster, wood, metal, and masonry. It is a water-based acrylic formula that has a very low odor.
It resists the peeling and chips. Besides, it offers durability. You will be glad to know that it can cover close to 120 square feet of area, and it does not take long to dry.
The primer takes less than 30 minutes to dry for you to apply another coat, and this helps you to complete your projects quickly. You may want to sand the cabinet before application using the 180/200 grit sandpaper.
Then you can wash it using a degreaser and let it dry. Now, you can apply the paint to achieve the best results. Many users have commended the product because it has the ability to increase the adhesion and durability of the paintwork.
Is This Product Recommended?
Users recommend this product because it is easy to apply. You can apply it depending on your preference and convenience. The odor is low, and you can work without a mask. The bonding and adhesion of paint are increased.
Pros
- The primer has a low odor and provides intense protection.
- The product can work for close to 120 square feet.
- It dries pretty fast, under 30 minutes.
- It can be used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor projects.
- It is available in close to 30 colors.
Cons
- Some users felt that the primer is light in color.
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9. Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer, 1-Quart, White – Best Primer For Cabinets Without Sanding
Our next primer is the Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer. Though its primary purpose is to block stains present in your kitchen, you can also utilize it to enhance the brightness of the surface.
The primer comes produced as a high hiding foundation. It works intensely to help the stains and sap bleeds become disguised, providing an elegant appearance. The primer is ideal for wood like beech and cedar.
Technical Features And Performance
The primer’s main purpose is to cover the stains, QT, and is an oil-based stain killer sealer. It works nicely to offer more shine to the paint. The high-hiding formula is able to block most stains and helps seal water.
It is able to stick on the interior and exterior surfaces quickly. The primer is exceptional for newly-made cabinets, for remodeling your kitchen, and small projects. You might want to make use of it on the exterior surfaces to experience the best results.
Since it dries quickly, it provides you with an enamel-like undercoat. This feature immensely helps in improving the durability and anti-slippage and reduces the peeling occurred on it. When working on tough surfaces, you can consider sanding the surface for enhanced toughness when working on tough surfaces.
Is This Product recommended?
Based on the reviews we have read, buyers are extremely satisfied with using this primer. Unfortunately, it comes with a powerful odor, and you might want to make use of a mask and excise precautions when using it. If possible, you may want to work with it in a nicely-ventilated room using a respirator.
Pros
- The model does not always require sanding.
- The primer offers you with additional shine on the product.
- It is a high-hiding formula that can remove all stains.
- It is suitable for new construction, remodeling & repainting projects.
- The product dries up quickly, helping you to complete your projects.
Cons
- It takes longer to dry sometimes.
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10. XIM Products 11052 White XIM, UMA Acrylic Bonder and Primer/Sealer, 1 qt – Best Primer To Cover Wood Grain
The UMA Acrylic Bonder and Primer/Sealer is a fantastic product, and it is the best primer to cover wood grain. The wood grain filler is also known as the paste wood filler. This product helps you to get a sublime wood finish as it fills the pores of the wood grain.
Technical Features And Performance
The XIM 11052 is based on the latest technology used in bonding and priming wood. It helps paint for indoor and outdoor projects. You will be delighted to know that it is produced in America and not in a third-world country.
So, you know that the quality is second to none. It also provides you with exceptional bonding & sealing and remarkable adhesion. It is suitable for usage as a topcoat. According to the maker, you may not have to sand the surface on most clean and dull paintable cabinets.
You can use it on tough surfaces as well. Some of them include glass, wood, metals, plastics, and tile Formica. You can also apply it to other construction materials. The primer is quite affordable and dries fast as well.
Is This Product Recommended?
Certainly yes. Users have commended its ability to dry fast so that it helps you to complete the work quicker. Moreover, you can work on a wide range of surfaces and other construction materials.
Pros
- The product gives you with magnificent wood finish.
- The primer fills the pores of the wood grain.
- It dries pretty quickly, allowing you to coat it when the surface is slightly wet.
- It offers you with remarkable adhesion properties.
- The sealer can be used on several tough surfaces.
Cons
- Some users said you need to apply the third layer for best results.
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11. Zinsser 270976 White Zinsser, B-I-N Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer, 1 gal – Best Sealer For Kitchen Cabinets
Another outstanding product is the Zinsser 270976 White Zinsser, B-I-N Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer. It is the best sealer for kitchen cabinets, and it comes with several magnificent features. Why not read further and find out more about it?
Technical Features And Performance
The primer is suitable for painting purposes inside your kitchen as outdoor projects. It is produced in the USA, and you know that it is a genuine product. The primer has a magnificent odor sealing along with stain blocking properties.
You can use the excellent hiding bright white and its good adhesion properties. Besides, the coverage of the primer is exceptional because it is water-based. You can spray it, and it levels nicely.
You can also note that the adhesion works phenomenally well. That means you do not have to redo the work every few months, and it will last for several years at least.
Is This Product Recommended?
Many users have complimented the product for its water-based properties. You can spray it on the kitchen cabinet surface without hassle effortlessly, and it also levels on the surface elegantly. Additionally, there is no problem with combustion.
Pros
- The primer is water-based, providing you with immense flexibility.
- The model comes with exceptional odor sealing.
- It provides outstanding stain blocking & excellent hiding bright white.
- It offers you with excellent adhesion properties.
- The coverage is phenomenal.
Cons
- Some users complained of stains bleeding through.
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How To Apply Primer On Kitchen Cabinets?
Applying a suitable kind of primer to your kitchen cabinets is vital for getting the best results. However, you will also want to ensure that you know how to apply it to your cabinets, and this helps you enhance the paint coating and eventual results.
Below are some ideas that you might want to implement on your next primer application.
- You Must Remove The Drawers: You must remove the doors and cabinets present inside your kitchen or work area. It helps you apply the primer efficiently on the surface of the cabinet. Besides, you may want to prime the doors and drawers separately.
- You Can Use Drop Cloths In The Work Area: You can have some kind of drop cloth or painter tape around the work area. This ensures that you apply the primer properly. Besides, you are not concerned about the coatings getting covered around other areas. This protects your hardware and increases your concentration.
- You Can Remove The Handles If You Want: Likewise, you can also remove the handles if you want. If you feel that they are not enabling you to perform your work diligently, then you can remove them and then begin priming the area.
- You Can Repair The Cracks In The Work Area: You may want to repair them when you find some cracks or holes in the work area. Then you can start your priming work on the cabinet. So, please repair the damage present on the surface, if any.
- Best To Sand The Surface: Whether the surface is new or old, you might want to sand the surface before starting your work. We recommend you make use of the 120-grit sandpaper. It is suitable for getting rid of dirt, dust, and other particles that can ruin the smoothness. Besides, it ensures that your primers do not peel off quickly.
- After Sanding, Clean The Area: Once you have finished sanding, you can use a slightly wet cloth and clean the work area. This again helps to get rid of the dirt, dust, and other particles that are present in there.
- Now You Can Gently Use The Sealer: Since you are going to work on the kitchen cabinet, you can use the grain for application. This helps you achieve better results. Remember, when priming or applying the paint to use the wood grain present on the surface.
- You Can Smoothen The Surface Using A Brush: When your sealer begins to get everywhere, you can make use of a brush or roller brush. This helps you to spread it evenly and smoothen it on the surface of the cabinet.
- Let It Dry: You can allow it to dry completely, and you may not want to apply the primer unless the surface is complete. Whether you are new to applying primers or an experienced painter, please allow it to dry before you recoat it again.
These pointers can help you achieve the best results for your kitchen cabinet. If you feel that it is too much for you, then you can always hire a professional painter or handyman to get the job done.
How Long Should The Primer Dry On Kitchen Cabinets?
It depends on different factors like the quality of the primer and the drying period. You can find the details on the back of the product, and the drying time is mentioned on there. A top-notch primer takes close to 4 hours to dry.
It requires a minimum of 45 minutes or 60 minutes to dry on a kitchen cabinet. The drying period of the primer lengthens because of the humidity level present inside your kitchen. If you are unsure about the drying time, please don’t hurry up.
Primer Benefits To Keep In Mind
There are some primer benefits of the primer/sealer that you would want to keep in mind when getting them. This way, you know that you are getting the best of the lot from the market.
You do not want to end up with a poorly done project. So, below are some points of consideration when getting the primer for yourself. The primer benefits for your kitchen cabinet are given below:
- It should come with less odor: Most of the primers come with intense odors, and they can hamper your work quality. That is because you will find it challenging to breathe and perform your work well. Though you might wear gloves and even respiratory masks, it can become challenging to work. Hence, you may not want to get oil-based primers.
- It should be able to handle stains well: A top-quality sealer or primer can handle the stains efficiently. Most of the surfaces come differently with their own stains, smoke, grease, damage, and so on. A good primer can effortlessly work on them, providing you with an elegant finish.
- It must offer you excellent adhesion: The primer should come with exceptional adhesion qualities. You can find that out by referring to the reviews provided on Amazon or read the specifications. Most of the primers work on several surfaces without hassle.
- It should be able to handle oak wood: The oak wood is kind of challenging because it is a touch surface to paint on. That is why most users tend to use oil-based primers. However, they have to bear the brunt of the odor and fumes. Luckily for you, several water-based primers can get the job decently fulfilled.
- It needs to dry quickly: You can notice another problem with the oil-based primers besides their strong odor. They tend to take more time to dry, which can cause delays in your project. Using some of the primer/sealers mentioned above helps you save on time. They dry within 30 minutes, and you can carry on with your work.
- It must come with durability: A good quality primer is durable. You do not want to keep redoing the work once in every few months. In a sense, they offer you with a durable project. Moreover, they do not come with a strong odor or fumes when you are working. They ensure that the peeling and adhesion are less or nil, almost in most cases.
Selecting The Primer According To The Paint Color
You need to consider many things when choosing the best bonding for kitchen cabinets. Among them, the material of the kitchen cabinet and the paint color play an essential consideration—moreover, the finish and the condition of your cabinet matter too.
We have discussed some factors briefly, and you might want to know before choosing the primer of your choice. Let us now read further to understand them better so that you can get the desired results.
What Are The Types Of Primers?
Firstly, you will want to know that there are 4 kinds of primers for application on the cabinets in your kitchen. They are oil-based, shellac-based, water-based, and hybrid. They came with their own unique feature and were infused with elements and VOCs.
- The water-based primer: The water-based primer is the most preferred for homeowners because of its DIY qualities. They are also known as latex primers. You can easily apply them on the cabinet surface; they also dry quicker, and do not produce any odor. The finish is acceptable, though, and you can make use of brushes on them.
- The oil-based primer: The oil-based primer is another exciting choice. They are known as a solvent-based sealer. They provide you with an excellent finish and a smooth texture on the worked area. It is not surprising that professional painters prefer using this primer. Unfortunately, they give out harmful fumes, and protection should be given. Besides, they take longer to dry compared to the water-based primer.
- The shellac-based primer: The Shellac-based primer is made from the Asian Lac beetle. The primer is called as alcohol-based as it is mixed with alcohol. It is a see-through primer that is ideal for surfaces where you want to see the surface of the wood. They are simple to apply and don’t brush nicely, coming with a slight odor on them.
- The hybrid acrylic urethane primer: The hybrid primer is another outstanding type of product. They are a combination of oil-based and water-based primers. They come infused with features like simple to apply, easy to clean, and are very durable. Sadly, they give out odor and do not provide good blocking of stains.
Keep An Eye On The Odor And Stain Blocking Properties
- The primers are primarily in gray and white in color. Likewise, you can plan and decide on your remodeling kitchen cabinet project likewise—most American homes with a light shade kitchen that is usually white or gray in color.
- Moreover, the décor is the same too. As we have mentioned above, shellac-based products come in see-through colors, and that is ideal for see-through projects where you want the wood to show out.
- The color white is preferred when you want a light color on the top, and it gives out an elegant appearance. The color gray is chosen when you are going to work on slightly dark colors, and they blend with gray.
- You will want to keep an eye on the condition of the kitchen cabinet when choosing the color. Besides, the stains need to be invisible as well once you have painted them. Though you may have kept your kitchen well, odors come up from oils, food spills, and nicotine.
- This is when you can consider making use of a stain-blocking primer. For a cabinet that comes in a dark color, you can make use of a light color primer. This helps you show the color of the wood, and it highlights your cabinet.
- When you are not keen on working with the odor, then you can choose a water-based primer. These days, manufacturers are ensuring that the water-based primers perform almost equally well with the oil-based primers.
What About The Surface Adhesion Properties?
As you know by now, the primary use of the primer is to ensure that the paint coat remains on the surface of the cabinet. You do not want the paint to peel off within a few days or months. Hence, the primer must absorb the material of the surface on which it is applied.
Here are some common properties of primers based on which you might want to choose them.
- Most of the primers can be applied to wood and any kind of composites.
- You can make use of the oil-based primer on wood grain. However, they tend to take time to dry.
- Formica present to you issues with adhesion. They are produced very glossy and extremely smooth. You can make use of high-bonding primers. They are produced to help you with adhesion, and they work well on ceramic and glass.
Are They Harmful To Your Health And The Environment?
- Unfortunately, most of the primers produced today contain high amounts of VOCs. They can cause various amounts of impacts on your health and the environment, and it depends on the level of concentration.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls the recommended percentage. However, the oil-based primers seem to have a higher amount in them. When you compare them to shellac or water-based primers, they have a lesser percentage.
- Please do note that primers that come with 0% VOC do contain at least a certain amount of them. Since oil-based primers emit fumes and pungent odor, you might want to consider making use of proper ventilation in the work area.
- You will also want to know that oil-based primers need to be cleaned. For that, you need to make use of solvents, and you must ensure that they are safely disposed of because they can cause harm to the environment.
- You do not want to flush them down the drain or throw them away in the garbage can. You can even consider using water or shellac-based primer if you have respiratory issues. Before you begin working with the primer, please read the instructions given at the back of the product.
Top 6 Mistakes To Avoid While Painting Cabinets
Minor errors can occur when you are into your first DIY kitchen cabinet priming. To help you avoid doing them, you must make sure that you know some mistakes to avoid, and knowing them can help you avoid costly errors while working on similar projects.
- You forgot to remove the drawers: Removing the drawers, doors, and other hardware is a difficult thing to do. Most beginners tend to skip this router and begin prepping the surface right away. However, this is a crucial step in this process. You can paint the cabinet surface efficiently, and it ensures that you get the best results.
- You used a different primer: Yes, it happens. That is why always look at the surface of the cabinet before applying it. It will spoil the appearance of the surface. Moreover, the looks of the cabinet are wasted. Besides, you need to ensure that the primer works well with the surface and the paint you want to coat it with.
- You did not give sufficient time for the project: This is not your ordinary painting task. You are dealing with the real stuff here. Things can get hazy if you are using oil-based primers. Hence, proper safety and time should be provided. When your coverage is more, then you should allot more time. You do not want to apply paint coat directly on the earlier surface.
- You forgot to do the sanding: This process is similar to the first step we read about. Many tend to skip it only to realize the mistake. You could be misled by some primers claiming to be the best without needing sanding. But for the best results, you may want to do the sanding. It provides you with a smooth surface to work.
- You did not clean the surface: It is essential that you clean the surface of the cabinet before you begin working on it. After sanding the surface of your cabinet, you might want to dust it using a damp cloth, and it removes all the dust and small particles that are present on there for you to work efficiently.
- You forgot to mark or label the drawers: This is one of those errors that even the best in business can make. You could forgive yourself if you did not label the drawers as you removed them. You become so engrossed in removing the drawers carefully that you completely forget about marking them. You can make use of a pencil or pen to place a mark on it that identifies which cabinet it belongs to. The reassembling process becomes more straightforward.
Factors to Look For While Buying Bonding Primer For Cabinets
Renovating your kitchen cabinet surfaces with new paint is always a good thing to do. However, to have that excellent finish and durability of the paint, you should need to buy the best primer for kitchen cabinets.
So below are some of the key points you should be considering while buying the primer for applying. Do priming before applying any primer to the surface.
1. Primers types
There are mainly three types of primers that have different chemicals present in them to get a finish. Each type of primer has some positives and negatives. The kind of primer one should choose depends on the properties they need in their primer.
- Latex primers
These are made with a water-based type for applying the coat on the surfaces so that it can be dried up quickly, unlike oil-based. Also, it is very easy to apply on the surfaces, and fewer coats are needed for applying.
Many experts and painters prefer this type because of the dry time of this type as this can be dried within a few hours, and it will save the time for users very much.
- Oil-based primers
This is the best type of primer that can cover almost any surface like wood, metal, glass, and even surfaces that have pre-existing paints. The chemicals in this primer hold up the paint very nicely and do not allow any seepage of oils or greases through the paint.
But it does take time to dry up, and it is recommended that more than two coats are needed to get the desired finish of the surface before applying the paint.
- Shellac Primer
This is best for the stoppage of stain coming off from the paint as it is very good at resisting it. This type is dried up very quickly and doesn’t need many coats for preparing an excellent surface for applying the paint.
Moreover, it is very good against stooping the odor coming from the wood and thus giving a good surface for a long time of use. Additionally, it gives an excellent finish on wood, glass, and plastic with little effort.
2. Surface
While choosing the best primer for cabinets, you should choose according to the surface you want it to be applied. As kitchen cabinet surfaces can be wood, plastic, or plywood so each surface different will get a different finish. But all primers do work for any surfaces but be precise with your surface type.
For example, latex best works with wood, whereas oil-based is best for pre-existing painted surfaces, and shellac is best for surfaces that have strong stains that may come off. So when you choose the right type, you will get the good durability of the product.
3. Tintablility
The hues of primers are two colors one is grey, and the other one is white. Grey primers are recommended when one is using a dark topcoat. White primers are used with light color topcoats. Moreover, you can change the shade of a white primer, which can be applied to the surface so that the light color paints can be painted easily.
This can be done by adding one part of color to three parts of the primer. It also helps in reducing the paint coats as the light tinted primer will make most of the work, and money can be saved in paint chosen for painting the surfaces.
4. Cost
There are so many primers available in the market, which do an excellent job. But it can be hard to deduce which primers are actually worth their price. To make this work easier, the first one should ensure that they know what features they need in the primer. Comparing different brands that offer the features you want and analyzing customer feedback will clarify which primer will provide a good value for money.
Then you can purchase the primer, which falls in the range of your budget. But you should keep in mind how much area is to be covered for painting so buy accordingly otherwise there will be extra expenses.
We have also reviewed some of the Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets Sherwin Williams. It will help you choose the one which will suit your kitchen the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the best sticky primer?
As it is a water-based primer, it come with a low odor thanks to the acrylic formula. Besides, it also gets rid of chips and offers plenty of protection. The primer can cover 120 square feet and does not take too long to dry for fast project completion.
Q2. What is the best primer for oak cabinets?
It can also stick to the interior surface, and the process is quite simple to do. Moreover, the primer can dry faster than most top-end products, and it also helps in providing you with the enamel undercoating performance.
Q3. What is an oil-based primer for cabinets?
Besides, they enhance the top coat of the paint. Moreover, they take quite a while to dry, which helps provide you with the best results. You might want to apply 2-3 layers for getting stupendous output from the primer. They react to grease and smoke found in your kitchen.
Q4. Do you have to prime cabinets before painting, and why?
Please also ensure that the paint does not come with any tannin bleed. Moreover, using the suitable primer ensures that it helps seal the kitchen cabinet’s surface. Additionally, it also enables you to make sure that the paint does not fade away quickly.
Q5. How to paint veneer cabinets without sanding?
When the primer is completely dry, you can make use of two coats of paint. Please do apply the topcoat when the color has become dry. This usually depends on the primer and the wood. Besides, primers are sufficient for prepping the cabinets without no sanding required.
Q6. How to clean a surface before priming?
To clean a surface for priming, first, use a slightly wet cloth to wipe the surface. Gently wash the body with soap and warm water using a sponge. After washing, rinse the surface with water only. Do not begin to prime immediately after rinsing. Wait for the surface to be completely dry before priming.
Q7. How many coats of primer will be needed?
Q8. Can I use paints instead of primer for base coating?
Conclusion
It is very important to choose the best bonding primer for kitchen cabinets surfaces. Since there are so many primers available, you need to find the one that will fulfill your desires and give you a good finishing. Well, we are here to guide you in the right direction of purchasing the best for you, but the last choice has to be yours.
Travis is a painter by profession. His valuable painting tips help customers know how to do painting hassle-free. He is an expert in handling painting tools and loves sharing his experiences with customers. Travis has been in the painting business for the past 20 years. He is now on the verge of early retirement, passing on the secrets.